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| The lithium battery from a portable fan like this one fell and burst into flames inside an MTR train |
The Consumer Council is warning the public to be careful when using gadgets powered by lithium or lithium-ion batteries, following last week’s fire inside an MTR train.
According to reports, a portable fan’s lithium battery fell out of
a passenger’s bag and caught fire, injuring a 26-year-old man sitting next to
him.
Photos from the incident showed a man being
escorted out of the train at Yau Tong MTR station on Wednesday morning, with
the side of his shirt blackened.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
The police said the victim sustained minor injuries to his body and was treated at United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong.
Firemen were called at about 9am, a few minutes after the incident, but the fire was
already out when they arrived.
But part of the carriage was said to have blackened
by the fire. The burnt battery was found on the floor nearby.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
With portable fans becoming increasingly popular,
especially with record high temperatures in Hong Kong and many parts of the world,
experts are urging caution.
People are urged to only buy products that are
government approved, and not the cheap ones sold on sidewalks or online
platforms with dubious origins, as they usually come with low-quality lithium
batteries that could cause fire from overheating or overcharging.
But even with better quality fans, people are
advised not to use them for extended periods of time as they could overheat.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The Consumer Council advises users to stop using any
product, including mobile phones, when the lithium batteries inside become
deformed or damaged, and cause the product to overheat. They should
immediately unplug the charger and throw out the batteries.
Other signs that the battery could cause fire or
damage the product are when they emit an unusual odor, start leaking or
smoking, or fail to charge properly.
The Consumer Council also advises users not to place
mobile phones or tablets under pillows or blankets, as this could cause
overheating.
All electronic products should always be placed in a
cool and dry place, and away from direct sunlight.
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